The Role of Cultural Literacy on Elementary School Students’ Attitudes of Tolerance: A Case in Indonesia

Objective: This study aims to analyze the impact of cultural literacy on the tolerance attitude of elementary students in Indonesia. Method: The method used is a quantitative approach with a correlational research design. The research sample consisted of 90 randomly selected students. Data were collected using questionnaires that measured cultural literacy and attitudes toward tolerance. Results: This study demonstrates a significant positive relationship between cultural literacy and tolerance attitudes among primary school students. As students’ cultural literacy levels increase, so does their tolerance toward cultural, social, and religious differences within the school environment. The correlation result (r = 0.564, p < 0.01) indicates that cultural literacy is pivotal in early adopting a tolerant character. Therefore, integrating cultural literacy into the primary school curriculum represents a relevant educational strategy for strengthening multicultural character education. Novelty: This study is the first study to empirically and quantitatively measure the role of cultural literacy in shaping the tolerance attitude of Indonesian elementary school students by using instruments tested for their validity and reliability, non-parametric correlation analysis, and scatter plot visualisation that confirms the contribution of cultural literacy to 56.4% tolerance variability. Thus, this study closes the empirical study gap at the elementary level while offering contextual and measurable curricular recommendations for integrating cultural literacy in multicultural character education.